[Test Ride] 20mm Lower! The Low-Down Seat Improves the Maneuverability of the Speedy Scooter!

The "Power Assist" function, which supports acceleration from a standstill, is equipped on the 125cc scooter "Yamaha Fazzio." Its simple design, reminiscent of everyday wear, is popular among female riders, and it has captured nearly 50% of the market share since its release in April. We test-rode the Fazzio, equipped with Y's Gear's "Low Down Seat" which lowers the seat height by approximately 20mm, focusing on city riding.

Text by: Hiroyasu Ogawa Photos by: Yuko Koizumi

Packed with Convenient Features for a Simple Style

Oval motifs are incorporated into various parts of the body, creating a casual atmosphere as a fashion scooter. In addition to the light blue shown, it is available in leaf green, pastel yellow, and black, for a total of four colors.

The Fazzio was launched in Indonesia in 2022 as a fashion scooter for the ASEAN market. Customization is also very popular there. The domestic model debuted in April of this year. With the concept of "a simple and casual means of transport, like everyday wear, that combines functionality and fashion," the body features a simple design with an oval motif, and is available in bright colors.

The engine is Yamaha's unique air-cooled 124cc "Blue Core," developed to achieve a high level of integration between riding performance and environmental performance. It is equipped with a "Smart Motor Generator (SMG)" that integrates the starter motor and generator functions, allowing for one-push engine starts. It also features a "Stop & Start System" that automatically stops the engine when stationary and restarts it when the throttle is turned upon restarting. It also comes with a host of convenient features for commuters, such as smartphone connectivity with the dedicated app "Yamaha Motor On," a USB Type-A socket, a smart key system, and two carabiner-style convenience hooks.

Among these, the "Power Assist" is particularly noteworthy. By using the Smart Motor Generator as an auxiliary motor for the engine, it assists driving force for up to approximately 3 seconds when starting from a standstill. This function activates when the throttle is opened wide or quickly. According to development staff, "when starting from a standstill and opening the throttle fully, there is a difference of about half to one bike length at 30 meters, depending on whether assist is active or not."

The Fazzio combines a simple, charming body design with a start-up dash that is among the fastest in the 125cc class. It is lightweight at 97kg, making it easy to push and maneuver. While the seat height is kept low at 765mm, the floor area is spacious, and the seat surface is wide. However, riders around 160cm may find it difficult to place their feet down. To improve this, Y's Gear offers a "Low Down Seat" that lowers the seat height by approximately 20mm. It is priced at 11,000 yen and is available in brown and black.

Stock seat. The seat surface is wide, and it is a Japan-exclusive design that considers comfort and ease of putting feet down, with a seat height of 765mm.

Y's Gear Low Down Seat, approximately 20mm lower. You can see that the seating surface is lower. The installed color is brown.

The stock seat has thickness in the front cushion but is slimmed down to consider ease of putting feet down.

The tandem seat height is unchanged, but the front of the seat is lower. The seating surface is flat and comfortable.

The storage capacity is reduced due to the difference in the shape under the seat, but a jet helmet could be stored.

Grab bars for the tandem passenger are also standard. They are shaped to be easy to grip and contribute to the ease of maneuvering the vehicle.

The right handlebar switchgear houses the idling stop, hazard, and starter buttons.

The left handlebar switchgear houses the headlight high/low beam switch, turn signals, and horn.

The oval-motif meter is LCD. It displays speed, clock, trip, odometer, battery voltage, fuel level, etc.

Connects with your smartphone to display incoming calls, SNS notifications, and smartphone battery level on the meter. The smartphone side can display maintenance records, riding logs, etc.

Checking the Fazzio and the Low Down Seat Equipped Model's Foot Grounding

Low down seat equipped model. Seat height is approximately 20mm lower at 745mm. Rider's height is 172cm. With the seating surface lowered, the handlebar position feels relatively higher.

Riders over 170cm tall will likely not feel a drastic change in foot grounding. There was no feeling of crampedness in the riding position.

The stock seat height is 765mm. The rider is 156cm tall, and when sitting in a comfortable riding position, the heels are slightly off the ground.

With the stock seat, when trying to place both feet on the ground, the heels of both feet are slightly off the ground. However, "the light weight of the bike means there's no concern about foot grounding."

Even with the low down seat, the heels are still slightly off the ground. "I can definitely feel that the heels are closer to the ground when both feet are down. It's a very effective seat for petite riders."

"The gap between my heels and the ground is definitely reduced when I put both feet down. It's a seat with a big effect for riders with a smaller stature."

Improved Maneuverability and Confidence with Lowered Seat Height

In addition to the benefit of easier foot grounding, the sporty riding experience also benefits from easier handlebar control.

The author, who is 172cm tall, could place both feet flat on the ground with the stock seat, so the 20mm reduction from the low down seat was not significantly noticeable. However, it made a big difference for the 156cm tall staff member who took the photos.

"Although the width of the floor area hasn't changed, I felt it was easier to put my feet down. Also, when making U-turns or maneuvering the bike while seated, I used to feel unstable with the stock seat. With the low down seat, the area of my feet touching the ground is wider, increasing the bike's stability, and I can now easily move the bike forward. It's easier to quickly put my feet down after sudden stops, and it's also easier to maneuver. So, in addition to improving foot grounding, it also greatly enhances a sense of security," they said.

While the improvement in foot grounding was not as noticeable for the author, the lowered seating position made the handlebars feel relatively higher, which was a benefit. With the stock seat, leaning forward was necessary to apply weight to the front, but with the low down seat, the higher handlebar position allowed for less leaning, making it easier to push down on the handlebars. The feeling of the front tire's contact with the road was also more easily transmitted, increasing confidence when braking before corner entry and making it easier to enjoy sporty riding.

On the other hand, the reduced cushion thickness made the ride slightly firmer. While the seat sinks in when seated, providing shock absorption, the impact from rough roads was felt more strongly in the buttocks compared to the stock seat. However, the low down seat also has a wide seating surface, allowing for adjustments in seating position, so it did not cause buttock fatigue more easily than the stock seat. The Y's Gear Low Down Seat is priced at 11,000 yen and is available in brown and black. It is highly recommended for those who want to improve their foot grounding, but it is also a cost-effective custom option to consider for those who enjoy sporty riding or want to coordinate colors.

The front brake is a disc. It has a firm touch from the initial application, allowing for easy control of braking power.

The rear brake is a drum. It employs a linked braking system that applies the front brake when the rear brake is engaged.

Agile City Riding with the "Power Assist" Start Dash

When opening the throttle wide or quickly from a standstill, the Power Assist engages, providing a brisk acceleration. The Fazzio's stress-free machine control in city traffic is also a characteristic feature.

The Fazzio offers a sporty ride that belies its cute appearance, combining light maneuverability with precise handling. The air-cooled Blue Core and Power Assist significantly contribute to its sportiness. The air-cooled Blue Core provides strong torque from near idling, allowing riders to keep up with traffic flow even when the "ECO" indicator is lit on the meter, signifying good fuel economy, and even without the Power Assist engaged.

On the other hand, engaging the Power Assist at startup, combined with the Blue Core's acceleration, provides a dash that leads the traffic flow. While the Power Assist operates for about 3 seconds, if the throttle is kept open, the Blue Core's acceleration is maintained, and the motor's inertia also remains, allowing for smooth acceleration thereafter. Once up to speed with traffic, the light weight of the bike and the Blue Core's characteristic manageable torque across the entire range allow for stress-free, agile riding. Furthermore, for those who frequently carry luggage or ride with a passenger, the Power Assist will be a practical feature that supports smooth starts.

One point of concern is the vibration from the Blue Core. While not noticeable during riding, a "poco-poco" vibration can be felt when idling at a stop. However, the reason is unclear, but the vibration decreases when the rear brake is applied. Furthermore, engaging the idling stop system eliminates the vibration. Since there are ways to mitigate it, it is not considered a major drawback personally.

As per its development concept, the Fazzio smoothly navigates city streets as a simple and casual fashion scooter, while also offering sporty riding by leveraging the functionality of the Blue Core and Power Assist. With the Low Down Seat improving foot grounding and maneuverability, it is recommended for those who may have hesitated due to seat height.

The air-cooled Blue Core, which provides strong torque across the entire range, is developed based on the Axis Z. Power Assist has been added.

While Power Assist is active, an arrow icon rotates around "ASSIST" on the meter to indicate its operation.

Yamaha Fazzio Major Specifications

Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 1820 x 685 x 1125mm
Wheelbase: 1280mm
Curb Weight: 97kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 2-valve single-cylinder 124cc
Maximum Output: 8.3 PS/6750rpm
Maximum Torque: 1.00 kgf・m/5000rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.1L
Transmission: V-belt type continuously variable transmission
Brakes: F=Disc, R=Drum
Tires: F=110/70-12, R=110/70-12
Price: 368,500 yen